Winfrey and Spielberg use food and film to unite audiences

Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 01:41

Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg bring the book The Hundred-Foot Journey to the big screen. Alicia Powell reports.

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Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg are hoping their new film "The Hundred-Foot Journey" will be the right recipe for box office success.
Oscar winner Dame Helen Mirren stars as a French restaurateur who feels threatened after an Indian family, led by Bollywood star Om Puri, opens an eatery directly across from her upscale restaurant.
On the red carpet Mirren explained the deeper message of the movie.
SOUNDBITE: Helen Mirren, actress, saying (English):
"Throbbing away like a heart beat in the middle of the film is a very serious message about in those famous words, can't we all just get along together. It's about the interaction of cultures. So it's got a very serious message especially in Europe in these days. And in America, these days of immigration."
Winfrey and Spielberg first worked together on the 1985 film "The Color Purple" and said reuniting was simple.
SOUNDBITE: Oprah Winfrey, producer, saying (English):
"I called him. Juliet Blake had the book and script. She brought it to me. We brought it to him. He said yes."
SOUNDBITE: Steven Spielberg, producer, saying (English):
"It was a fast yes."
SOUNDBITE: Oprah Winfrey, producer, saying (English):
"And there you go. We are off to the races."
Although Winfrey and Spielberg enjoyed being partners Spielberg revealed what he really wants.
SOUNDBITE: Steven Spielberg, producer, saying (English):
"I want to encourage Oprah to get back into acting because I would love to have take two for me to direct her."
SOUNDBITE: Oprah Winfrey, producer, saying (English):
"And I won't be so scared this time."
"The Hundred-Foot Journey" will be released in U.S. theaters on August 8.

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